NYU/ITP, Spring 2010, Thursdays 9:30AM - Noon
Jeff Feddersen
Course Description
[H79.2466.1]
This class examines technology from the perspective of energy sources
and
power flows. The course begins with a broad overview of the topic, a
definition of terms, and an opportunity to discuss political and social
ramifications. At the same time, students are introduced to a handful
of technical concepts that draw on skills learned in physical computing (a
prerequisite for the course) to gain a concrete understanding of
energy. These skills allow the student to evaluate, monitor, harvest,
and store small and/or intermittent sources of (typically electrical)
energy, such as those from solar cells, turbines, and other sources.
Students execute several small hands-on projects and one larger-scale
project using the concepts learned in the class.
Contact
jfeddersen [at] gmail [dot] com
Goals
1. To develop a broad perspective and nuanced understanding of energy sources and flows.
2. To become well-versed in the current state of the art in energy conversion and storage, as well as near- and far-term technologies that may impact the field.
3. To gain the skills necessary to create projects utilizing novel ambient energy supplies, and to measure and monitor the energy usage in those projects.
4. To develop a group project utilizing a renewable energy supply.
Assignments
Your active and engaged participation in the course is vital. Readings and additional materials will be discussed in each class, and you should be prepared and familiar with the topics at hand. Small weekly assignments will be posted each week on the syllabus which will inform in-class discussions.
Additionally, students will sign up for a specific
week to lead a 10-15
minute discussion of an energy-related topic of their choosing. This
could include just about anything, but students should:
- Thoroughly research the topic, citing three or more sources,
- Provide quantitative analysis converted to the SI units used in
class, and
- Create an online synopsis for class reference.
Pre-final projects [35%]
Pre-final project work will consist of a kinetic project to be presented in week 5 (details for this will be covered in the second week) and a small solar project in week 9. The primary purpose of both these projects is to facilitate your understanding of the technical concepts presented in the class.
Final Project [30%]
Starting in week 6, you will conceive, execute, and present a larger project. This project will be done individually or in groups of two to three. You are stronlgy encouraged to use the department's portable solar kits. Details will be provided in the syllabus in week 6.
Readings
Energy: A Beginner's Guide
Vaclav Smil
2006, Oneworld Publications
ISBN: 978-1851684526
We'll be using this excellent text as a the main reading for the course. It provides a wealth of technical detail in a cross-disciplinary context. Smil has published a number of other works on the topic. It should be available through the NYU bookstore for about $15. Barnes & Noble has it for the same price; Amazon has it for a little less.
There will be additional reading materials assigned throughout the course. Details will be provided in the syllabus.
Office Hours
By appointment Monday evenings after 6:30. I will
also arrange to be available by phone or chat as needed.
Student Documentation
Links to student documentation will be posted here.
ITP Resources
Sustainability wiki
Physical computing wiki
Solar Resources Page
Archive
Sprint 2008, Spring 2007 and Fall 2004.